Health

Breast pain is not usually a sign of cancer

CHECK-UP: The treatment for breast pain will depend upon its cause

MARION KERR
Tue Dec 8 2009 - 00:00

CHECK-UP:The treatment for breast pain will depend upon its cause

I’m 23 and have noticed from time to time both my breasts are very painful. Could this be a sign I have breast cancer?

Although there are a wide range of possible causes for breast pain, it’s important to remember that pain in one or both breasts is not a common symptom of cancer. Breast discomfort may be caused by hormonal changes due to puberty, menstruation or premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or the menopause. It is also common during the first trimester of pregnancy. After childbirth the breasts may become swollen with milk, which can be very painful and is usually accompanied by swelling.

Breast pain is not confined to women as men also have breast tissue and adolescent boys may experience some breast swelling and tenderness as a part of normal development.

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Can it occur for any other reason?

Other causes of breast pain include injury, infection of the breast tissue (mastitis) and fibrocystic changes in the breast tissue. Some medications may also cause breast pain. I’d advise you to see your doctor for a breast examination, particularly if you have any other symptoms such as localised redness, pus or fever. You should also seek medical attention if you experience discharge (blood or pus) from your nipples or if you have given birth within the past week and your breasts are swollen or hard. If you notice a lump associated with the pain that does not go away after your menstrual period, please see your doctor.

Can breast pain be treated?

Treatment of breast pain will depend on the cause. While some oral contraceptives may help relieve breast pain, if you have a breast infection, you may need antibiotics. If you have a breast injury, immediately apply a cold compress such as an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 15-20 minutes. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) will help reduce breast pain and swelling after injury. If you are experiencing other symptoms, your doctor may advise additional tests. These may include laboratory examination of nipple discharge to test for infection, fine needle aspiration – a small needle is inserted into the breast to remove fluid that may have collected in a cyst (usually not cancerous) – MRI scan or mammography. Referral for further investigation may be recommended if the symptoms do not go away.